The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRCO) has responded to questions regarding Namibia's foreign policy and its implications for economic development.
Jenelly Matundu, the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, took the opportunity to address the concerns raised by Bernadus Swartbooi, the leader of the Landless People's Movement (LPM).
Matundu highlighted that Namibia's foreign policy is a dynamic document influenced by consultations, discussions, and workshops involving expertise from other ministries, the private sector, and academia.
The policy aligns with Namibia's national development plans, including Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan, while also taking into account global changes and emerging issues.
In terms of integrating regional and local government representatives into foreign policy work, Matundu highlighted the significance of close collaboration with these stakeholders.
She also highlighted the importance of twinning arrangements between Namibia's local authorities and their counterparts in other countries, aiming to enhance economic development by strengthening relations and cooperation.